Towan Beach — Attraction in St. Clement

Towan beach, one of Cornwall's hidden gems. Been coming here for over 10 years. The Thirstea van was a simple, welcome addition a couple of years back and the old barns housing the toilets were a delight to visit especially when the birds were nesting in the rafters. What a difference a few months make. The National Trust have realised that there is revenue to be made so they have upped the parking fees again. The old barn has been extensively renovated to accommodate a cafe and the toilets have been overhauled to some shiny new ones. All well and good but the birds can no longer nest in the rafters and the cafe owner will no doubt have an extortionate rent to pay. The beach will now become commercialised and the approach roads will suffer greatly due to the new works and subsequent reviews highlighting this venue as a "must visit" place. Such a shame that this area will be exploited for financial gain. Well done National Trust, why have you meddled? The charm of Towan was that it was uncommercilaised and devoid of hoards of day trippers. After what i saw today, 21/7/20, it's the complete opposite. Car parks full, which isn't unusual, beach crowded, nearby driveways blocked, passing bays blocked and the access roads gridlocked. I would not be surprised to see adjacent farmland given over to car parking in the near future. Still a great beach to visit with southerly views, Walkable from Portscatho and "Fraggle Rock" light house is...

I used to holiday here 45 years ago as a child and I'm delighted to say that the only changes have been for the better. The addition of a cafe at the entrance makes bringing flasks and a backpack full of eats for the day an option rather than a necessity. The tides were very high and low while we were in the area meaning that when fully out there was high, dry sand, a bar of rock pools and then more damp sand before the waves. When the tide was in there was enough depth over the rock pools to make for entertaining snorkelling. Something for everyone, I'd say. N.B....

This beach is great, there are loads of rock pools and lots of fine sand. It's large enough for everyone to have their own patch of sand too. It's not got a shop, or any amenities for that matter so pack a picnic.

There's also a circular walk on the coastpath if you get bored of the beach.

The car park is close by and free for national trust members. When we visited in February it was only £2.50 for non members which seems reasonable.

The only problem is it's a bit of a pain to drive there due to lots of narrow lanes and it being quite a way from...